For the next few columns, Deep Beatles shines a spotlight on their BBC performances. Before incessant screaming and the rigors of touring took their toll, the Beatles had become one of the most polished live bands on the road.

Yes fans joined in a celebration of Peter Banks’ life after the guitarist passed last month, and dug into a pair of talks with Jon Anderson as the founding vocalist explored his old band’s shared legacy.

Last week marked the 50th anniversary of a cultural revolution: the release of the Beatles’ Please Please Me. Their first effort, recorded over 12 hours on a single day, stands as one of the most impressive debuts in rock history.

Just when you think no other aspect of Beatles history could possibly be overlooked, a book comes along revealing a little-known corner of their story.

Last week’s Deep Beatles took a closer look at the Beatles’ 1962 audition for Decca Records. Since manager Brian Epstein wanted to present Decca’s A&R department with a vivid picture of the Beatles’ live shows, he asked the band to perform covers

As the Beatles finished their rocking rendition of “Get Back” at the conclusion of their 1969 Apple rooftop concert, John Lennon joked “I would like to say thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves and I hope we’ve passed the audition.”

He may be best known not for his own career, but for providing the first big break for one of the most important bands in rock history. Tony Sheridan, who passed away February 16, 2013, was the Gene Vincent of Hamburg

Many Beatles songs contain two key elements: wordplay and nods to their R&B roots. George Harrison is no stranger to either aspect, and few songs encapsulate these qualities like “Savoy Truffle,” the White Album track

Four of this month’s reader-selected Top 10 items on Something Else! Reviews deal with Beatle-y things: Specifically, the times they whiffed as a group and as solo artists

Volumes have been written on the Lennon/McCartney dynamic, after point/counterpoint exchanges graced “We Can Work It Out,” “Getting Better,” and “She’s Leaving Home.” One of their finest moments as a duo occurred during the troubled Get Back sessions.